Royston’s neighbourhood sergeant leaves to take up new role on force
Royston Neighbourhood sergeant Jon Vine - Credit: Archant
Royston has a new Neighbourhood Sergeant after the town’s top policeman moved on to pastures new this week.
Sgt Jon Vine, who has been in charge of the town’s neighbourhood team since 2009, has taken up a new role in Hitchin with Operation Scorpion – the force’s drive against serious acquisitive and drug related crime.
He is being replaced by Steve Oliphant, who started in his new post this week.
“I have really enjoyed my years at Royston and I will miss the role for many reasons,” said Sgt Vine. “I have worked here as a PC and a Sergeant over the years and I have real bond with the town and the people.
“The balance between town policing and rural policing makes it such a varied and enjoyable role. I will miss all the people and community volunteers that I have worked with as they are so positive and supportive of the work we do.
“I’m most proud of the reduction in crime we have achieved in Royston. Every crime we have prevented means one less victim and that is the main thing that drives our team.”
During his time in the role, Sgt Vine has worked closely with the town’s businesses through Operation Artemis, a Royston First-funded initiative which sees extra police patrols on the streets in key areas of the town.
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He and his team have also worked hard to reduce anti-social behaviour in the Priory Memorial Gardens.
On his new role, Sgt Vine, who has served on the force for 17 years, added: “I’m looking forward to pro-actively targeting people that commit the most crime in our area. Some of the team’s jobs will be in Royston so I will be able to come back from time to time.”
